The 21-year-old driver charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident in Barangay Banilad earlier this month has posted bail and remains under hospital arrest, authorities confirmed Friday, February 13, 2026.
Sean Andrew Pajarillo secured temporary liberty after posting bail amounting to P72,000 for the charge of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide in the death of 23-year-old businessman Kingston Ralph Co Cheng.
The fatal incident occurred at dawn on February 8 along Paseo Saturnino, Maria Luisa Road, in Barangay Banilad. Cheng was struck by a vehicle allegedly driven by Pajarillo and later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
Pajarillo appeared in court wearing a bullet-proof vest and Kevlar helmet, accompanied by tight security provided by police personnel, including members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit.
He was seen limping as he exited the courthouse after posting bail.
Reporters attempted to obtain a statement from the accused as he was escorted to a waiting vehicle, but he declined to comment.
Defense counsel Atty. Julito Añora said his client intends to face the charges filed against him, addressing circulating claims that Pajarillo was planning to leave the country.
Añora clarified that following the court proceedings, his client would be transported back to a medical facility in Mandaue City, where he remains confined under hospital arrest.
He added that Pajarillo has not yet been discharged from the hospital. Once cleared for release, the accused is expected to proceed directly to his residence.
The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) emphasized that Pajarillo remains under police custody despite having posted bail. Police Lt. Col. Jose Lobaños, CCPO information officer, said the accused continues to be monitored while under hospital arrest.
According to Lobaños, Cebu City police personnel are the only authorized individuals allowed to guard and monitor Pajarillo at the hospital.
In a related development, five individuals who reportedly claimed to be security escorts of Pajarillo attempted to enter his hospital ward. They were subsequently apprehended in coordination with the Mandaue City Police Office.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances of the attempted entry. However, legal counsels representing the five individuals maintained that their clients were not private security escorts but friends who merely intended to visit Pajarillo at the medical facility.
The incident adds another layer to the high-profile case, which has drawn significant public attention following the death of Cheng, a young businessman whose passing prompted calls for accountability and road safety reforms from various sectors.
Police earlier confirmed that charges were filed against Pajarillo for reckless imprudence resulting to homicide. The case will proceed before the appropriate court as part of standard judicial process.
Security surrounding the accused has remained heightened amid strong public interest in the case. Authorities have not indicated any additional charges as of this writing.
The CCPO reiterated that the legal process will take its course and assured the public that proper procedures are being followed.
Further hearings are expected as the court begins deliberations on the merits of the case.
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